Classwork & Homework

Due Before next class: Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Communication - 10 marks.



Choose one of the short films on the "Reference Video" page and write a 500* word critique on how effective the film is in delivering its message.

In your own words, discuss how effective the film is in delivering its message.


SUBMIT your work AS A COMMENT by clicking on the "DISCUSSION" BUTTON on the TOP RIGHT of THIS PAGE.



Be specific, thoughtful and detailed.
Avoid vague/meaningless statements such as "the visuals were interesting" or ."the film is effective" by explaining/describing in detail WHO/WHAT/HOW/WHY/WHEN/WHERE.

eg. At the beginning of the film the main character is coloured in pale shades of green that make him stand out in front the very dark background. His lively eye movements in the close up shot attracts the viewers attention. etc etc.
when? At the beginning of the film who? the main character what? is coloured in pale shades of green
why? make him stand out where? the very dark background. what? His lively eye movements where? in the close up shot what? attracts the viewers attention... where? why?. etc etc.
Question what you write with WHO/WHAT/HOW/WHY/WHEN/WHERE so that you can be more specific and detailed.
Always support the statements you make with proof/examples/evidence from the film.
Use descriptive words, appropriate colour, typography, film, animation and design terminology.
Check your spelling and grammar.


Consider the following to help you formulate your thoughts:
- visuals... what kind of visuals? ...describe them ...copyrighted/copyright free?
- how effective/ineffective are the visuals? colour, texture, variety etc. etc. ...consider the E&P of design when applicable
- sound effects used
- music used... copyrighted? or copyright free? timing, pacing, tone/mood
- animation techniques... timing and pacing... fast? slow?
- camera angles... framing... point of view... are they varied? what makes them interesting? what makes them uninteresting? how do they help deliver the message?
- what information/how much information is conveyed in the film?
- what action the viewer should take? does the film make it clear what action the viewer should take?
- how can the film be improved? what could be improved and why?



Homework activity:
Count how many shots are used in 1 minute of video?


* To count the words, you can use MS Word to write your critique and then copy paste the text into the wiki.
In MS Word you can see the word count at the bottom of the window.
Or you can use copy paste your text into http://www.wordcounttool.com/ for a online word count.